Ben Robb insists it will be a privilege to make his Cazoo World Cup of Darts debut alongside the ‘Phil Taylor of New Zealand darts’ later this month.
Robb, who currently tops the DartPlayers New Zealand rankings, will partner Warren Parry in the 32-team event from June 16-19 in Frankfurt, Germany.
The duo were forced to withdraw from last year’s tournament due to COVID restrictions – the first time New Zealand have been absent from the World Cup since its inception.
However, Robb is relishing the prospect of making his debut in this year’s showpiece, as he bids to fulfil his darting dreams across the four-day event at the Eissporthalle.
“It’s amazing. When you play any sport, the pinnacle is representing your country and that’s a massive goal I’ve had since I started playing,” said Robb, speaking to SENZ’s At The Oche.
“Warren Parry is the GOAT of New Zealand darts. Warren Parry is the Phil Taylor of New Zealand darts, and what a privilege to play alongside him.”
Parry, returning to World Cup action for the first time since 2018, boasts a decorated résumé, having claimed a hat-trick of Oceanic Masters and New Zealand Open titles.
The 58-year-old, who has made three PDC World Championship appearances, secured the biggest win of his career at the 2014 Sydney Darts Masters, recovering from 5-1 down to stun Michael van Gerwen on the World Series stage.
Robb also possesses big stage experience, having featured in multiple World Series events and two of the last three World Championships at Alexandra Palace.
The 33-year-old has now set his sights on eclipsing the exploits of his compatriots Cody Harris and Haupai Puha, who steered New Zealand to the quarter-finals in 2019.
“Hopefully we can do one better than Cody and Haupai and try to make the semis because I know those boys made the quarters,” Robb added.
“I can’t wait to represent my country.”
Tickets for the Cazoo World Cup of Darts are on sale now through PDC Europe.
The Cazoo World Cup of Darts will be televised on Sky Sports for UK viewers, through the PDC’s international broadcast partners, including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV for Rest of the World Subscribers.
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